SERVICE
OUTREACH PROGRAM
The FONS Outreach Program was launched in November with the goal of providing joy to seniors in the Newtown community who live alone, are recently widowed, and/or are otherwise isolated or in need of assistance. In November, volunteers delivered chrysanthemums, Thanksgiving cards, and FONS information packets to 34 seniors. In December, volunteers delivered poinsettia plants, holiday cards, and Newtown Bee calendars to 90 seniors residing in nursing homes; 30 fruit baskets, holiday cards and Newtown Bee calendars were delivered to individual senior residences.
CHORE SERVICES PROGRAM
Over 100 calls were received from seniors requesting assistance. Calls included requests for referrals to trustworthy businesses and contractors, as well as requests from out-of-state relatives seeking either help for senior relatives, or information to share with relatives. Our volunteers were able to assist with the replacement of batteries in fire/CO detectors, installation/removal of window air conditioner units, changing window/door screens, repairing loose and unstable furniture/fixtures, light landscaping, and even helping to organize living space. If materials are needed to help with repairs, FONS Chore Services can also assist with purchasing these items depending on the homeowner’s financial situation.
FONS Chore Services was able to assist a senior family who was without heat on a bitter December day. Professional services were arranged immediately, the furnace was examined that evening, and parts were replaced by noon the next day, ensuring the family had heat.
NEWTOWN RIDES PROGRAM
The Newtown Rides Program provides Newtown homebound age 55+ seniors with free rides to Newtown locations and businesses during the hours of 9:30 am – 2:30 pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Currently, Newtown Rides has 35 active drivers eager to take our senior population anywhere in Newtown that they would like to go – banking, shopping, pharmacy, post office, library, hair or nail salons, or a visit to the Community Center, Senior Center, physical therapy, doctor, or dentist.
In 2025, the program provided 156 FREE rides and looks forward to doubling that number in 2026
COLLABORATION
FONS maintained a strong working relationship with the Newtown Senior Center, Newtown Human Services, and the Commission on Aging. FONS sponsored a table at the first ever International Cultural Festival, the Lions Club Duck Race, the Newtown Arts Festival, and the Newtown Health Fair, marched in the Labor Day Parade, decorated/donated a tree for the Festival of Trees, and participated in both the July and December Salvation Army Kettle Bell Drives.
Partnering with these and other groups has bolstered its efforts to promote overall awareness and improvement of services for Newtown seniors. In addition to these organizations, FONS supports and promotes the activities of the Newtown Historical Society, Newtown Youth & Family Services, the C. H. Booth Library, and other service groups. This collaboration fosters a livable community for all of Newtown.
OPERATIONS
FONS ADVISORY COUNCIL
The FONS Advisory Council reviews and makes suggestions on goals and objectives for the year and provides impartial reactions to ideas and projects suggested by the Board. The Council is also another way for the FONS Board of Directors to interface with the general public, civic leaders, and local business representatives.
PRO BONO PARTNERSHIP
FONS engaged Pro Bono Partnership, a 501 (c) (3) organization providing legal services to small nonprofit organizations, to conduct a review of FONS’ policies and procedures. In 2025, Pro Bono reviewed and updated the FONS Bylaws and created a Conflict-Of-Interest policy.
SOCIAL
COMMUNICATION
FONS continued its robust communications strategy through weekly emails to over 1,100 recipients (an increase of over 250 from 2024!) announcing activities of interest to seniors in Newtown, sponsored by FONS and other organizations. These include volunteer opportunities and town wide special
events.
FONS continued its monthly birthday mailing to those celebrating age 65 during the year. Along with a birthday card, recipients received an informational flyer on FONS. In 2025, over 420 birthday cards were mailed.
The FONS Sunshine Committee sent cards and messages of support to seniors experiencing medical issues, family losses, or celebrating a special anniversary or event.
ACTIVITIES
The FONS Social Committee organized monthly dinner socials at local restaurants, on the last Wednesday of each month.
The FONS Events Committee organized excursions to local vineyards, breweries, theaters, and events at Edmond Town Hall, including performances at the Newtown Little Theater, the Summer Soiree at Aquila’s Nest Vineyards and the Oktoberfest at NewSylum Brewing Company.
The FONS Senior Salon Program distributed 120 coupons for free haircuts to seniors, performed by students at Ricci’s Academy in Newtown.
MEMBERSHIP MEETING
With the theme “Flavors of Newtown”, FONS hosted its second successful Membership Meeting at the Newtown Community Center. The meeting included presentations by FONS Board members on the FONS mission and goals, a slideshow on the FONS organization, an interactive audience Q&A session, and a survey on issues important to our senior population. The 100 members who attended enjoyed a buffet consisting of a variety of dishes from a number of very generous Newtown restaurants as well as a raffle drawing.
ADVOCACY
FONS ROUNDTABLE MEETINGS
To continue FONS’s advocacy mission, input from Newtown seniors is collected in part through monthly Roundtable discussions. They are held at the Senior Center on the fourth Tuesday of the month. Typically, the Roundtable starts with a brief pre-survey of attendees on the session’s topic followed by brief presentations from subject matter experts and then white board discussion. The tabulations of the pre-survey, and discussion highlights are posted on the FONS website. 2025 topics included: Community Health, The Newtown Bee, Roles of Elected Boards and Commissions, and Main Street Streetscape.
TIMELESS NEWTOWN
FONS launched a One Town One Read program featuring the book Ageism Unmasked, by Dr. Tracy Gendron, a nationally recognized gerontology expert, offering activities, panel discussions, workshops, and other events, culminating in an author presentation at the Edmond Town Hall. The program was intended to promote an intergenerational mindset that would reverse ageist stereotypes. Almost 1,000 free copies of the book were distributed to Newtown residents, and approximately 100 attended the author presentation/book signing.
Funding for the program was provided by: Anne Rothstein, Caraluzzi’s Newtown Market, Connecticut Humanities, Friends of the C.H. Booth Library, Jeniam Foundation, and the Newtown Commission on Aging.
NUTRITION PROGRAM
With funding provided through a grant from the Grassroots Foundation, FONS introduced a Nutrition Program at the Newtown Senior Center, which includes a series of events on the importance of good nutrition, including presentations on healthy eating habits, meal planning, and recipes, plus healthy lunches.
AGE WELL COLLABORATIVE
Newtown participated in the Connecticut Age Well Collaborative’s Daring Dialogue program, which offered a community workshop on the topic of aging, and as part of the project, several Newtown citizens (including two FONS Board Members) were approached to be part of a photographic promotion. Posters were created to show older adults from Newtown who are active community members. The posters will be displayed in various locations in Newtown.